On compressive properties of 3D printed polyvinylidene fluoride composite for implant applications

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported the use of 3D-printed biocompatible intramedullary (IM) pins of various metals, alloys, and composite materials for a variety of orthopedic requirements in canines. One of the limitations of these IM pins is that they are non-resorbable, and required surgical procedures to be followed for their removal after performing the required function in the subject. Some studies have been reported on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite-based smart IM pins that are partially absorbable. But hitherto less has been reported on the compressive properties of such 3D printed PVDF composite matrix. This study reports the compressive properties of 3D printed (by using fused filament fabrication (FFF) process) PVDF composite (90% PVDF-8% Hydroxyapatite (HAp)-2% Chitosan (CS) by wt.) for a partially absorbable implant for canines. The result suggested that the best setting for the FFF process are nozzle temperature (NT) 235°C, printing speed (PS) 60 mm/s, and raster angle (RA) 45° for the compressive properties (peak load (PL) 1321 N, break load (BL) 1188.9 N, strength at peak (SP) 10.83 MPa, and strength at break (SB) 9.75 MPa). Furthermore, analysis of the PVDF composite (at 10 N load, 300 s, and 60 r/min) outlined wear of 314 µm, friction force of 1.2 N, and a coefficient of friction of 0.14 was observed. The results are supported by the morphological analysis (based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM), % of porosity, grain size No.) of the fracture site.